The Myth That Proactivity Is a Personality Trait
I was talking to a client recently about a new-ish team member who on paper meets every KPI, finishes every task, meets every deadline. And…nothing beyond that.
No stretch or initiative, no energy beyond the minimum. My client felt frustrated and at her wit’s end about what to do.
It’s easy to chalk that up to personality:
“They’re just not proactive.”
“They need to be told what to do.”
Being proactive isn’t a personality trait. It’s simply a product of clarity, safety and shared direction.
Three Pulse-Check Questions for Leaders
So if you’re seeing a case of bare-minimum-itis in your team, do a pulse check:
Do they know what the bigger goal is, and how their work connects to it?
Do they feel safe to suggest, challenge, or try something new?
Have you been clear about what good looks like, not just done?
Answered no to any of those? Then that’s a good place to start to get your team moving from barely compliant to fueled by commitment.
All good things,
Juliet Robinson
Leadership and Change Specialist
How I can help you
Team Management Profile
If your team haven’t done a diagnosis tool, this is THE best time to get them to do it. Get in touch to discuss your team.
The guide to motivating your team
Winter is a tricky season to maintain motivation. Which also makes it perfect for doing the groundwork of figuring out how to do it
